Of the four Big Ten teams in the NCAA Tournament (IU, Michigan State, Michigan and Maryland) three are heading to college soccer's final four. Michigan State will face Akron in the other final four game.

That quirky bracket breakdown means IU will need to defeat Maryland for a third time this season to earn back-to-back trips to the national championship game.

"At this point, at this stage, I feel like there's not much thought to it," IU coach Todd Yeagley said of facing the Terrapins for the third time. "There's familiarity, but at this point it feels different."

IU handed Maryland its last defeat in early November during the Big Ten conference semifinals. Cory Thomas' penalty-kick goal clinched the shootout win for IU. Andrew Gutman's 61st-minute goal was the last goal Maryland allowed in regulation.

Since losing to IU, Maryland's made the necessary adjustments to tighten up its defense.

"They've finally found the team they want to go with," Yeagley said. "They've got some really good players in the back ... (Chase) Gasper, their goalkeeper (Dayne St. Clair). They've always had the capability of being a really tough team to score on. They just found that rhythm late in the season, so I think it'll be tough to get chances on them."

The Hoosiers are looking to avenge last year's national championship loss to Stanford, and this season has already been filled with redemption. After failing to win the regular season and conference titles last season, IU went unbeaten through conference play before crushing Michigan 3-0 in the Big Ten conference championship game.

Keeper Trey Muse said everything they've been through has prepared them for a return trip to the College Cup.

"It's a great feeling to get to where we were last year," he said. "We had a great team, great success last year. I think that's what we were striving for all year. The final game itself was a little painful to be a part of. ... (But) the experience, the exposure, just to be able to play against top-level players is something I dream for.

"Win or loss I've gotten that experience and I'm prepared for the next situation. Getting ready for this Final Four game is just another step in somewhere I've already been. I feel prepared, ready and confident after this week of training."

Muse and the defense are riding four straight clean sheets into the final four. Like Maryland, their back end has improved throughout the season.

"This year, I think our shape has gotten a lot better," he said. "Our principles defensively have gotten better. So everything has gotten better for us. When you look at the film there's a lot of things we break down that we've gotten stronger with throughout the year. Compared to last year we're that much better."

The matchup against Maryland is shaping up as a defensive battle. With goals at a premium, the X-factor for IU is midfielder Justin Rennicks. The sophomore was limited by injury during IU's last College Cup. After a stint with the U.S. National Team, Rennicks is healthy and ready to go.

"He only could play 15-20 minutes, pushing a half last time," Yeagley said. "He was in really good form and gave us a good element last year. He just couldn't go any further. Having him fit, the time with the National Team was great for him. He got a lot of minutes so he's fit and ready to go. "